Angela Merkel Explains Zagreb No Show

German chancellor Angela Merkel has held a press conference in Brussels at 1:20am this morning where she has explained that a busy schedule will prevent her from joining other European politicians in Zagreb this weekend for Croatia’s official EU entry celebrations.

When news broke earlier this week that Merkel would not be attending the EU bash in Zagreb, Croatian media had a field day, saying that the decision was ‘a slap in the face’ and a political message from the Germans, but Merkel has dispelled those accusations.

“I have a very busy schedule. The celebrations will be on Sunday late at night, when you look at my schedule on Monday you will see that it is impossible to come. I told PM Milanovic that I would be happy to come after elections here, if I am still the chancellor, and visit Croatia. Believe me, honestly I am happy that Croatia will become a new member of the European Union,” said Merkel on Friday.